Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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126. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the efforts being made to reduce the licence renewal backlog in the National Driver Licence Service, NDLS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10148/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS), and all applications for a driving licence must be made through the NDLS.

The Covid-19 restrictions have caused large backlogs in the area of driver licensing. The service was closed during the first lockdown, was operating with limited capacity in the months following re-opening and is now only providing in-person services to essential workers.

The validity of driving licences and learner permits were extended while the centres were closed and renewals could not be made. Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, possible further extensions of driving licences are currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly.

The RSA has worked with their providers to create additional capacity throughout the service while adhering to safety protocols for staff. The online application system has been expanded to allow for all licence applications and the postal system has been expanded for those who are over 70 years of age.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an NDLS receipt for a driver licence renewal will be acceptable in lieu of the licence, given the extensive backlog as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10149/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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A receipt issued from the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) for an application received for a driving licence or learner permit is not acceptable in lieu of the permit or licence.

Due to the resurgence of Covid-19 in Europe as well as Ireland, possible further extensions of driving licences are currently under consideration at EU level. A decision on this issue is expected shortly.